If you think Michael A. Taylor is resting on his laurels after a breakthrough season that catapulted him back into the long-range plans of the Nationals, think again. Taylor said yesterday at Nationals Winterfest that he isn't taking anything for granted, and that he's approaching spring training in February the way he's approached every one of the major league camps he's attended. "I take the same approach as I have in years past and every year: just come out, be ready to go and be in the...

Finally back home from Lake Buena Vista, Fla., where I left my Mickey ears on the nightstand with a tip for housekeeping. Manny Machado hasn't been traded. Zach Britton and Brad Brach haven't been traded. Mychal Givens won't be traded. I've heard Givens, second baseman Jonathan Schoop and outfielder Trey Mancini referred to as "untouchable" by an executive from outside the organization who attended the Winter Meetings. Everyone has a price, but the Orioles are determined to hold onto the...

Daniel Murphy hobbled into his scheduled interview session on crutches and said made sure everyone knew he's already begun walking. He's learned a lot about the microfracture surgery performed on his right knee on Oct. 20, eight days after the Nationals ended their season with another first-round playoff exit in the National League Division Series. He's not sure if the injury was the result of overuse or just an acute condition. And despite general manager Mike Rizzo's assurances at the...

Injured time is hard time for ballplayers, never more so than injured time that overtakes nearly an entire season and leaves a player watching from the outside as his teammates lose in the postseason. Adam Eaton just experienced all of that in 2017, and it left him determined never to experience it again. "Oh, it was brutal," the outfielder said Saturday at Nationals Winterfest. "The worst year of my life, I think it's safe to say. The longest summer of my life. That's what I told all of...

Like many Nationals fans, right-hander Koda Glover keeps replaying the fateful fifth inning in Game 5 of the National League Division Series in his mind. Unlike most Nats fans, however, Glover isn't focusing on the fact that eventual National League Cy Young winner Max Scherzer failed to throttle the Cubs in a rare relief appearance when his team most needed him to. Glover thinks about Scherzer being undone by bloops and bleeders, bad luck and a debatable call by a home plate umpire and...

He battled through a grind of a season that included a string of fluky, nagging ailments only to emerge with the third Cy Young Award of his career, an achievement that already creates talk of his Hall of Fame resume. For Max Scherzer, though, the greatest pleasure of this offseason so far has been the mundane task now required of him several times a day. What exactly is the right-hander up to at the moment? "Changing diapers," he said. "Wiping butts." Brooklyn, the first child of Max and...

After a week's worth of rumors and a lot of time spent hearing from the Nationals general manager and manager, this weekend we'll get a chance to hear from a whole bunch of players who have come from all parts of the country (and beyond) to attend Nats Winterfest. Yes, it's time for the annual, two-day winter event at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. It has turned into quite a major event over the years, going all the way back to the days when the team hosted a one-day gathering...

Did Orioles manager Buck Showalter tip his hand at the Winter Meetings about the construction of his bench? Not the names. The number of players. Showalter pointed out during his media session how it's becoming more popular for teams to carry 13 pitches, which leaves three players in reserve roles. That's a tricky proposition for the Orioles, who must keep Rule 5 pick Anthony Santander for the first 44 days. They want to find a left-handed hitter. They want to improve their defense. Exactly...

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - I've been told that it's "highly unlikely" that the Orioles do anything with Manny Machado tonight or later this weekend besides continuing to check on trade offers, though the situation is fluid and everything can change with a single phone call. The Diamondbacks have doubled back to the Orioles after prior surface talks, according to a source, and seem to be more interested. The White Sox, Cardinals and Yankees are included among the clubs still in play, though...

Jose Lobaton has found a new home, but the Nationals' longtime backup catcher will be staying in the National League East. Lobaton has signed a minor league contract with the Mets, who will offer him an invitation to big league camp next spring and a chance to make their opening day roster. The 33-year-old spent the last four seasons as the Nationals' No. 2 catcher, backing up Wilson Ramos and later Matt Wieters. Known more for his work behind the plate than at the plate, Lobaton struggled in...